Prince Chongzhen

Chapter 491: You Have to Plan Ahead
According to Mei Chun's idea, the best way for him to prove himself by guarding the rear army was to fight to the death against enemies that were several times larger than himself, and finally defeat the enemy with heavy casualties after a bloody battle with bayonets.

I have to say, this idea is very passionate and effective.

Once the rear army wins such a battle, no one will be able to use weapons and equipment as an excuse.

But such things could only exist in his imagination at best. His emperor had always taken it as a principle to use one's own strengths to attack the enemy's weaknesses since conditions allowed, and he would never allow the war to reach such a critical moment.

Since the 1,500 rear army soldiers equipped with rifled muskets have reached a level where they can perform well, it is reasonable for them to come to the front battlefield.

Normally speaking, once a general like Tong Yangjia was killed in battle, no matter how advantageous the army at the front was, it would be destroyed in an instant.

But he first left the army formation and sent all his personal guards away. Not only did his death not have much impact on the war at the front, but no one even noticed his death itself.

But then again, when the Ming army equipped with rifled muskets began to kill low-ranking Qing officers and supervisory teams at a long distance, it didn't really matter whether he, the general, lived or died.

After all, the army is a killing machine that is combined by various means. Even though the surrendered troops who were used as cannon fodder were just like a herd of beasts, they were able to hold out for so long because of the threat that was right in front of them.

Once one of these seemingly solid bonds breaks, the development of the war can be easily imagined.

Of course, things like this would take some time to ferment, and the Qing army would not collapse immediately.

While the pressure on the Ming army camp was gradually reduced, the city of Huai'an was already caught up in controversy.

"Grandmaster, I'm afraid this won't work."

Looking at Hong Chengchou's serious expression, Lekedehun felt a little embarrassed.

According to the original plan, as long as they could win the last game thanks to the sudden appearance of Wu Zhenchaoha, their troops could retreat to the north of the Huanghuai area on the pretext of turning around.

But who would have thought that the Ming army retreated so decisively the first time that they didn't even achieve any actionable results. The second time, they were ambushed right under their noses, which brought military merit to the Ming army.

During that period, he thought that instead of wasting time fighting with the Ming army in Huai'an, it would be better to pick up some heads and retreat directly to the north.

His reason was simple. After all, there were fewer waterways in the north, and the advantages and disadvantages of both sides would naturally be reduced. Even if he could not avenge his earlier defeats, he would be able to maintain his front line with the mobility of his cavalry.

From a tactical point of view, his idea was certainly sound, but when the three of them discussed it, Hong Chengchou, who had always been critical, was unexpectedly persuaded by Tong Yangjia.

Fortunately, Lekedehun was in a high enough position and had a broader vision. After the other party talked about the dilapidated north and the prosperous south, he changed his mind and agreed to take a gamble and transfer troops from the north.

Things went smoothly afterwards. The Ming army's perverse actions made the local forces extremely afraid of them, and under their cover, such a large-scale troop movement was not discovered by the Ming army.

But when the war was developing according to their best expectations, he actually had a disagreement with Hong Chengchou.

"General, the areas north of the Yellow River and the Huai River have long been in ruins. If we lose the Huai River and the Huai River this time, we will no longer be able to compete with the Southern Dynasty in just three or two years. When the Southern Dynasty sends a large army north, how can the imperial court stop it?"

"You are too kind, Grand Secretary. Fighting a war is not just about having money. Otherwise, we savages from the mountains wouldn't be able to get here."

Ruanruan gave Hong Chengchou a stab, and Lekedehun looked towards the battlefield in the distance.

He understood the other party's thinking, which was about the strength of the country.

He was convinced by these remarks during the discussion that day, and he could understand the logic behind them.

There are many ways to say it, and even if one holds the same opinion, there will be different degrees of agreement.

In Yulekedehun's opinion, without the tax support from Lianghuai, the war with the Southern Dynasty would be more difficult, but as long as the Southern Army reached an area suitable for the cavalry to perform, it would no longer have the capital to act so rampantly.

After all, when was the Qing Dynasty stronger than the Ming Dynasty? Didn't he still stand on the top of Huai'an City?

Seeing the other party's performance, Hong Chengchou realized that his words were a little inappropriate. However, the Ming army's camp was about to be broken. If his troops could take the opportunity to recapture Yangzhou, the situation in Huaidong would be completely different.

At that time, it would be convenient to reorganize the army and fight again or to relocate the people, which would be better than just letting go of the two Huai regions.

When things got to this point, the difference in everyone's status immediately had a huge impact.

Going back to his roots, Lekedehun was not only a Manchu of the Ming and Qing dynasties, but also a legitimate royal relative. If he was willing to listen to Hong Chengchou's advice, he could be considered to be respectful to the wise and willing to accept advice. But if he didn't want to listen, no one in the whole Huai'an could force him.

Hong Chengchou was well aware of this situation, but when he realized that the national strength of the Ming and Qing dynasties would inevitably widen over time, he immediately understood that withdrawing to the north of the Yellow River and Huai River, which was conducive to cavalry combat, would be just chronic suicide. Once the Southern Army relied on national strength to consume the enemy, the entire north would be in chaos in less than three or two years.

As his thoughts turned, Hong Chengchou finally decided to give it another try. But before he could form his words, he heard a cry of surprise: "Look! General Tong is back!"

Tong Yangjia?
Did we win so quickly?
Oh no! The general hasn't agreed to send troops yet. How can we keep all the Southern troops even if we win now?

As his mind raced, Hong Chengchou's heart was burning with anxiety. He ignored his manners and grabbed Lekedehun's arm tightly.

"General! Let's not talk about taking Yangzhou for now, but we can't let any of the Southern Army outside the city escape!"

According to him, although he did not expect to easily break through the Southern Army camp, formulating corresponding arrangements based on the changes in the battlefield situation is the most basic quality of a general. Even if Lekedehun has differences with him, it will not affect this matter.

But to his surprise, after these words were spoken, the other party just stared blankly outside the city, as if he was unaware of where he was.

"General! There is no personal grudge between you and me. We must not delay the army because of small disagreements." Hong Chengchou didn't know which channel in his mind suddenly opened up. He realized that Lekedehun was not an isolated case before he finished speaking. The cheers that were faintly heard a moment ago had stopped abruptly.

After understanding this, he realized that something was happening outside. When he turned his attention, he saw a maroon warhorse carrying its master trotting towards the city.

He knew that Tong Yangjia had bought this warhorse from the Mongols at a huge price, and he also understood who that figure was. However, he seldom went to the battlefield himself, and after observing for a while, he was only confused.

"There's still a battle going on ahead. How can a general like him return alone?"
-
Hong Chengchou's doubts would not last long. After all, most of the soldiers and generals around him were used to fighting on the battlefield. But when all kinds of things were about to happen, the "imperial palace" in the city looked completely different.

"Mr. Wang, it's rare for you to come. Please drink this cup with me first."

The sound of artillery fire outside the city was looming, but Hongguang held up his glass and kept urging Wang Zhengzhi to drink.

Since he was brought to Huai'an, he has hardly ever left this place, and during this time he has hardly ever seen outsiders except important Qing court officials like Hong Chengchou.

Normally speaking, the "Emperor" of the Ming Dynasty would be full of resentment and would make escaping from the control of the Tartars his first goal.

But what was both unexpected and reasonable was that he had calmly accepted his situation after the Qing army suffered a series of defeats. Not only did he not make any move to escape from the predicament, but he even seemed to enjoy it.

This is not difficult to understand. Although the Tartars took away Hongguang's freedom of movement, they at least retained his title of emperor and certain treatment.

In comparison, the guy who has a grudge against him for the throne will most likely not leave him with a good ending. It would be safer for him to stay in Huai'an.

Amid such psychological fluctuations, Hongguang spent a fairly satisfactory year. But when he was fully confident that he could live like this for a few more years, news of the Ming army's Northern Expedition suddenly arrived.

To be honest, he really couldn't sleep or eat well during that period. To think about it, he was even more frightened than when he learned that the Tartars were heading south.

Fortunately, the Ming army's strategy for attacking Huaidong was quite detailed. After conquering Gaoyou, they only focused on collecting various cities and did not immediately move north.

However, this sudden change made Hongguang alert, and he then took some actions in secret.

Of course, a person like him knew that it was difficult to escape when he was in Yingtian. The so-called action was just to try to get the Qing court to move him to the north, but not to start a rebellion.

But then again, what could an emperor like him, who was not even as good as the stone lions at his door, do even if he took action?
In the end, he only reluctantly invited Wang Zhengzhi to a banquet, but he did not contact anyone from the Aisin-Gioro family.

"Your Majesty, I am truly terrified. I would like to offer you a cup of wine and pray to God to bless you with long-lasting blessings."

"Mr. Wang is thoughtful. Mr. Wang is thoughtful."

Seeing Wang Zhengzhi's respectful attitude, Hongguang immediately drank the wine in the glass. After that, the two of them chatted with each other and ignored the roar of artillery coming from outside.

To be honest, he didn't regard Wang Zhengzhi as a life-saving straw. He also had some confidence that he could succeed.

He could see clearly that as Zhu Cilang's time in power increased and the land in the south was lost, his value as an "emperor" was also shrinking.

Earlier, the Qing court might have established him in Huai'an in order to divide the Ming Dynasty, but when the battle line moved across the Yellow River and the Huai River, the Manchus no longer had any need to establish such a court.

To be honest, Hongguang did not have much resistance to this, and he would not expect the Qing court to allow him to become emperor.

But there are also some rules for deposing an emperor. For example, Liu Xie and Liu Chan not only received a certain degree of honor, but also lived to the end of their lives.

In comparison, the other deposed emperors all died for various reasons, so he had to fight for it as well.

At this point, Wang Zhengzhi's role comes to the fore. As the only minister in the entire Qing court who had been on a diplomatic mission to the Southern Dynasties, his opinions would inevitably have a certain impact on the decisions of the kings.

Hongguang didn't ask for much; he just wanted to live in Beijing.

With such a foundation, it would be enough for Wang Zhengzhi to simply mention in his report to Dorgon and others that "Jingwu acted perversely, and the people in the south of the Yangtze River seem to miss Hongguang."

Even if the Qing court would not treat him very well at that time, it would be reasonable for him to keep his life.

As time went by, the banquet attended by only two people became unusually lively. After some gossip, Hongguang finally expressed what he was thinking, and Wang Zhengzhi patted his chest and agreed after hearing these words.

"Even if your Majesty doesn't mention this, the ministers outside must mention it to your Majesty. I don't know how many families have fallen victim to the false emperor's murderous hands this year. As long as the timing is right, your Majesty will surely make an unparalleled contribution to our Great Qing!"

Maybe it was because he drank too much, or maybe Wang Zhengzhi never regarded Hongguang as the emperor of another country.

In short, such words seem to be confusing and incomprehensible, and I don’t know where the teachings of the sages are put.

However, this was not a big deal for Hongguang. After all, all his thoughts were on the Qing court's arrangements for him. But who would have thought that when he was about to say something, a burst of dense footsteps came from outside. When the two were about to shout, a team of soldiers in full armor rushed in.

"I am an angel of the imperial court! How dare you and others be so unreasonable?!"

Faced with this situation, Hongguang, who was a coward at heart, had already shrank back. When Wang Zhengzhi was scolding those soldiers with his identity as an angel, he saw the leader approaching.

"The troops ahead were defeated, and we are here to protect your majesty!"

(End of this chapter)